Team effort
Eisenhower’s defense pitches shutout at home
RUSSELL — There was no repeat of last week.
Behind a stout defense and the rushing attack of Benji Bauer, Steven Reilly and Keegan Eckstrom, Eisenhower defeated Cambridge Springs, 14-0, on Friday night.
The win improved the Knights’ record to 4-1 and left head coach Jim Penley quite pleased after the game.
“It was just a tremendous team win,” he said. “We had a lot of adversity to overcome. … Wow, just wow, our run defense sure showed up tonight.”
Cambridge Springs entered last night averaging 277 yards on the ground, but was held to only 54, and was limited to just 53 yards through the air and an interception by Shawn Pascuzzi, who returned it 16 yards for the touchdown. Jake Venman’s point-after kick was good and the Knights led, 7-0 at halftime.
Sparked by a 43-yard Bauer run and a 17-yard scamper by Reilly, Eisenhower drove deep into Cambridge Springs’ territory, capped by Bauer’s TD run. Venman’s extra-point boot was good for the lone score of the second half.
The Knights suffered a loss when Conner Younger was injured early in the game and did not return.
“We lost a heck of a player in Conner Younger, but our young sophomore, J.J. Darr, stepped up and did a heck of a job,” Penley said. “I just can’t say enough about our guys. The offensive line had to make some adjustments with Younger out, but they stepped up big and we were able to get Bauer going. I thought Pascuzzi did well in his first start. It was just a tremendous team win.”
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